Hoots making the most of coach's farewell tour

Danville skipper Don Johns stepping down after more than a quarter century

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Danville Hoots head coach Don Johns, center, shakes hands with East Cobb Yankees head coach James Beavers Wednesday after Game 7 of the Connie Mack World Series at Ricketts Park in Farmington.(Photo: Jon Austria/The Daily Times)Buy Photo

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Don Johns founded the Danville Hoots in 1991 and led them to a CMWS title in 2000.

His team is unbeaten in the double-elimination round of this year's series.

Johns hopes one of his assistants will replace him as head of the program next season.

FARMINGTON — Don Johns always has been a major influence on the Danville Hoots program.

The Hoots skipper founded the squad back in 1991, later guiding them to a Connie Mack World Series title in 2000.

"If you ever want to go someplace and enjoy the game, go to the Connie Mack World Series in Farmington, New Mexico. It's one of the great experiences you can have," Johns said.

But after two-plus decades in charge, the time has come for Johns to hang up his jersey and retire after this year's CMWS. And nothing would be sweeter to him and his players than to send him off into the sunset as a CMWS champion.

Johns stresses situational hitting for his lineup, putting the ball on the ground and getting that key two-out hit with runners on base. He also stresses clean, error-free defense.

He also has a way of reaching his players on the field.

"He will tell you how it is, he will tell you what he wants. If you produce, he will praise you," Hoots first baseman Zack Patterson said.

His decision to retire is fueling his players every step of the way.

“We're trying to slow things down here, enjoy the time we have left with him. I'm trying not to think about that (final) day.”

Danville Hoots first baseman Zack Patterson

"Don's been a great coach for us all summer. He's really worked with us and made us all better. For us to put on a great performance today during his last year is really great, really special," Santiago said. "He just cares about his players so much, cares about winning so much. After our games so far, we know we can go all the way and we can take this (CMWS title)."